1906 Gibson A-2

[lefty51]

I recently stumbled across a 1906 Gibson A-2 at a neighbors house and was wondering what the value of something of it's nature runs. I know it depends on the condition so here's a little more info. As for the body it is in decent conditions with a few scratches and scuffs but nothing major. The neck has been repaired so there is a semi-noticeable brace peice attached where the neck meets the head stock. If anyone could tell me a little more about what I found I'd greatly appreciate it!

[racuda]

How did you determine it was made in 1906? My Gibson says on the label "Patented March 30 '06", but it was made in 1923. You need the serial number to find out the year of manufacture, which may have some bearing on the value.

[Eugene]

At a date of 1906, the bridge would be one-piece, low, and bowlback-like. #The pickguard would be inlaid into the table. #Like racuda says, the patent date stamped into hardware isn't necessarily the manufacture date. #The aesthetics of those early, low-action A styles are my personal favorites from all of Gibson's output, but frankly, they aren't nearly as highly valued as the later pieces (especially from the Loar era) because there isn't much demand for them. #When the bulk of people buy Gibson, they want the strings and pickguard to tower above the table. #These really early Gibson Co. pieces are perhaps even more inconsistent in quality than the next generation; most sound very cool (a bit nasal, but I like'em), but some are real pigs.

[Jim M.]

I've bought a couple of older instruments with obvious neck repairs, and that brings the price way down from a similar intact instrument. Both of mine have straight necks and are good players, which is why I bought them, but they will never be priced the same as an intact original.